Nanoha 5X Lens Review & Introduction to Super Macro • MegaPixel

Just about three months ago a small package landed on MegaPixel’s doorstep. Inside was one of the most unique and rare macro lenses currently in production. After a grueling journey from Japan which also included a meeting with wonders of the local custom service we received the Nanoha 5X – one of the only super macro lenses currently produced anywhere in the world.

The following article which took months to prepare is not just a summary of our experience with the lens but can also be seen as a “Beginners’ Guide to super macro photography”.

Super macro lies behind the realm of “conventional macro” photography with 1:1 magnification ratio. The magnification ratio of a lens can be defined as the size of the subject in an image compared to its actual size.

Nanoha 5X mounted on a Sony NEX-7 with the LEDs turned on (Credit: Iddo Genuth)